Jagiellonia played in Amsterdam with a strong focus on defense, reminiscent of Ajax’s attacks in the first leg and the number of opportunities created by their players.
Stryjek successfully entered Jagiellonia’s goal
For much of the first half, Jagiellonia defended 30 meters from goal. Their players allowed Ajax to play the ball for a long time, but the hosts struggled to create any clear-cut chances. Maksymilian Stryjek, who replaced the injured Sławomir Abramowicz, performed well in goal for Jagiellonia.
Jagiellonia first entered the home side’s half around the 20th minute of the game, after an individual effort by Afimico Pululu. In the 37th minute, in the confusion of the goalkeepers, the intervention of the Ajax defenders prevented a shot from the Jagiellonia forward. In response, Stryjek saved a one-on-one with Steven Bergwijn and a shot from Kenneth Taylor.
Fatal mistake by Nenê and goal goes to the locker room
During the goal, Ajax showed how much the opponent’s loss of possession means at this level. Nenê suffered a huge defeat in the middle of the field in the 43rd minute. Kian Fitz-Jim dispossessed him, the hosts launched a counter-attack and the 21-year-old Dutch midfielder finished off the move with a shot against the post to give Ajax the lead.
In the second half, the home side’s advantage grew even greater and it became clear that Jagiellonia were running out of steam. Their players had trouble escaping Ajax’s pressure on the attack – if the Białystok team managed to get into the hosts’ half and keep the ball for longer – Pululu would have had to fight several opponents at once.
After the break, Ajax scored twice
In the 59th minute, Stryjek saved first a Fitz-Jim header and then a long-range effort from Bertrand Traore. In the 64th minute, Taylor increased the score. After a great move in midfield, Brian Brobbey’s ball went to Jordan Henderson, who passed to Taylor, who shot into the empty net.
Ajax did not increase the pace, but still had possession of the ball. At 71 minutes the score was 3-0 for the home team. Taylor passed from the end line to Brobbey, who – in a very difficult situation and with the help of the Jagiellonia defenders – managed to beat Stryjek at close range.
In the next action, the Białystok goalkeeper saved the post – Traore scored. The Ajax winger had another chance shortly before the end of the game but shot wide.
Ajax Amsterdam x Jagiellonia Białystok 3-0 (1:0)
Goals: 1-0 Kian Fitz-Jim (43), 2-0 Kenneth Taylor (64), 3-0 Brian Brobbey (71)
Yellow cards: Ajax-Jordan Henderson. Jagiellonia – Taras Romanczuk
Judge: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
First match: 4:1 to Ajax Amsterdam
Promotion: Ajax
Jagiellonia will play in the league stage of the Conference League
Jagiellonia Białystok – Maksymilian Stryjek – Michal Sacek, Dusan Stojinovic, Mateusz Skrzypczak, João Moutinho (87. Aurelien Nguiamba) – Kristoffer Hansen (68. Miki Villar), Nene (59. Jarosław Kubicki), Taras Romanczuk, Darko Churlinov (68. Oskar Pietuszewski) – Jesus Imaz (59. Lamine Diaby-Fadiga), Afimico Pululu
Ajax Amsterdam – Remko Pasveer – Devyne Rensch (74. Anton Gaaei), Josip Sutalo, Youri Baas, Jorrel Hato – Kian Fitz-Jim (74. Jorthy Mokio), Jordan Henderson (67. White van den Boomen), Kenneth Taylor (82. Daniele Rugani) – Bertrand Traoré, Brian Brobbey (81. Chuba Akpom), Steven Bergwijn
